Giving to Missions

Giving to Missions

In the congregational life of Good Shepherd Church we offer numerous opportunities to give to mission projects, including regular offering contributions, special offerings, Alternative Christmas Giving, Pumpkin Patch, and memorials and honorariums.

Alternative Christmas Giving

At Christmas each year, Good Shepherd offers the chance for members and constituents to give to organizations and programs in Fort Wayne and throughout the world. Participate by including the name of the organization you would like to support on your check or offering envelope. Should you chose to give in honor of a loved one, a thank you note will be given to the loved one in whose name the gift has been given. Below are a few organizations that we support through Alternative Christmas Giving.

Habitat For HumanityFort Wayne Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry uniting volunteers and local investors with qualified families to build simple, affordable homes in Allen County.

Lucille Raines ResidenceOwned and operated by United Methodist Women of Indiana, the Lucille Raines Residence houses men and women who are actively engaged in rebuilding their lives from substance abuse. They all share in learning to function independently and as whole people in life. Many are finding Christ to be the source of successful recovery.

The Rescue MissionThe Rescue Mission, founded in 1903, is a faith-based, nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization, providing restorative care to men, women and children experiencing a homeless crisis. Our organization serves Fort Wayne, Allen County and its nine surrounding counties. The Mission is comprised of four ministries, or houses, that function as communities of compassion.

Pumpkin Patch

The Pumpkin Patch is Good Shepherd’s annual community activity to raise awareness and funding for Madina Village School food program. Held at Good Shepherd during the month of October, pumpkins and autumn decorations are sold.Helpers are always needed!

Special Offerings

Each year we provide the opportunity to support six special programs of the United Methodist Church: Human Relations, One Great Hour of Sharing, Native American Ministries, Peace with Justice, World Communion and UM Students. For more information about these Special Sundays, click here. Special gifts can be given at any time for designated purposes including United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR).

Gifts to missions can be given at any time! In fact, the majority of our funding for the projects listed here is made possible through your additional giving throughout the year.

Christmas 2017 Spirit Of Giving

Angel Tree: Our tree of angels meets the needs of Glenwood Park, St. Joe Central and Lane Middle School as well as GSUMC Preschool and church families by purchasing Christmas gifts and necessities at Christmas time. The tree has ornaments that you take. Purchase the listed gift. Return the gift to church wrapped and with the top portion of the angel attached. All gifts need to be returned by December 10.Warm Wishes: The Warm Wishes program offers a warm sweatshirt and a pair of socks for a man at the rescue mission. Purchase a sweatshirt and pair of athletic socks. Please return your gift by December 10, wrapped and with the size label on your package. Labels can be found in the lobby at the display.Mitten Tree: Through donations to the mitten tree, hats, gloves and scarves can be provided through the Rising Stars program, supporting the kids at St. Joe Central and Glenwood Park Elementary Schools in the winter months. It’s incredible how many children walk to school without gloves or hats because they have lost them or parents can’t afford them. We also accept gently used items if they are clean and in good condition. These items can be deposited in the snowman outside the education office in the main hallway and will be collected through January 7.